The Los Angeles Rams own just one selection in the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft after spending draft picks to acquire veteran talent and make another Super Bowl run. By comparison, the Seattle Seahawks own four draft picks in the first three rounds and three picks in the first two rounds after trading quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos.
While the San Francisco 49ers lack a first-round pick through 2023, they own three selections in the first three rounds. Seth Galina posted a three-round mock draft for the entire NFC West as a feature of Pro Football Focus. In it, he addresses several needs for the 49ers.
Round 2, Pick 61
Selection: G Dylan Parham, Memphis
Few mock drafts have the 49ers addressing the interior of the offensive line right off the bat. However, there is no doubt that area is among the team's biggest needs. Laken Tomlinson left for the New York Jets in free agency. In addition, San Francisco has an aging veteran center in Alex Mack, who no one is even 100 percent positive will play in 2022.
"It remains to be seen where Parham's best position is going to be in the NFL," wrote Galina. "While he played guard in college, he is a bit on the smaller side at 6-foot-3, 311 pounds. Therefore, he could potentially slide to center in the future as well."
Selection: CB Marcus Jones, Houston
Jones is a popular mock draft selection for the 49ers. Bolstering the defensive backfield remains an offseason action item for the team. San Francisco paid big money to acquire cornerback Charvarius Ward in free agency. Safety Jaquiski Tartt remains a free agent. Nickel corner K'Waun Williams is now with the Denver Broncos.
"Marcus Jones is a playmaking cornerback," wrote Galina. "The 49ers started to improve their cornerback room with the Charvarius Ward addition in free agency and continue with Jones here. The Houston Cougars slot cornerback's production is off the charts, as he posted a 99th percentile grade from the slot. K'Waun Williams manned the slot last year and had his moments, but the team could improve there."
Round 3, Pick 105
Selection: WR Romeo Doubs, Nevada
Wide receiver is another area of need for the 49ers, especially if the social media drama surrounding Deebo Samuel actually means anything. Even with Samuel still in the lineup and happy with a new contract extension securing his future, drafting a receiver wouldn't surprise anyone.
"Romeo Doubs is a straight-line, speed receiver who can play on the outside for the 49ers," wrote Galina. "With Deebo Samuel starting to get more touches from inside alignments, Doubs could fill the void at outside receiver opposite Brandon Aiyuk and give the team some verticality there. If Trey Lance is the starting quarterback, Doubs should fit in well. "
